Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon Tours – Arizona Tours

Antelope Canyon is one of those places that frequently appears on every traveler’s bucket list. Famous for its sweeping curves, vibrant colors, and otherworldly light beams, it promises an unforgettable experience. While it’s often talked about, knowing what to expect from a guided tour that covers both the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons can help you decide if it’s the right adventure for you.

We’ve delved into the details of this tour offered by Dineh Tours, and what stands out are its expert guides, excellent reviews, and the opportunity to see both sections in a single trip. With a 5.0-star rating based on 377 reviews, it clearly hits the mark for most travelers. But no experience is perfect, and some might want to consider the cost and physical activity involved.

If you’re after a well-organized, informative, and visually stunning journey through these iconic canyons, this tour could be a perfect match — especially if you’re eager to learn about Navajo culture along the way. It’s suitable for travelers who don’t mind a bit of walking and climbing and appreciate having guides to help capture the best photos.

Key Points

• Visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one organized half-day trip.
• Small-group size (max 14) ensures a more personalized experience.
• Expert guides like Tom, Tre, and Eder are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Hassle-free pickup and transportation from Page make logistics simple.
• Inclusion of bottled water and snacks adds value, especially on a busy day.
• Requires moderate physical fitness and excludes bags/backpacks in certain areas for safety and preservation.

Why Choose This Tour?

The biggest draw of this tour is its ability to combine visits to both sections of Antelope Canyon, giving you a more complete experience than most single-canyon tours. As reviewers consistently mention, guides like Tom and Tre are incredibly knowledgeable, sharing cultural insights and photography tips that elevate your visit beyond mere sightseeing.

The small size of the group is appreciated for its intimacy, allowing your guide to focus more on individual questions and offers more flexibility for photography. The round-trip transportation from Page means you don’t have to worry about logistics — just show up ready to explore.

In terms of value, at $459.27 per person, the tour includes admission tickets, bottled water, snacks, and expert guiding. Many travelers feel they get good bang for their buck, especially considering the quality of the guides, the scenic diversity, and the cultural context provided.

What You Can Expect on the Itinerary

Stop 1: Big Lake Trading Post

The tour kicks off with a convenient pickup from Page, with the first stop being at the Big Lake Trading Post. Here, you’ll use restroom facilities and potentially purchase additional food or drinks if you’re craving a snack before heading into the canyons. This 30-minute break helps everyone settle in and get ready for the adventure ahead.

Stop 2: Lower Antelope Canyon

The first canyon you’ll explore is the Lower Antelope Canyon. This is described as a moderate tour, suitable for those who are comfortable with about 1.1 miles of hiking and descending 74 steps into the canyon. The descent involves ladders and small stairs—reviewers like Alisa_A mention guides give photo tips and cultural insights that make this part especially memorable.

Once inside, you’ll traverse gradual inclines and narrow chambers, with guides pointing out the stunning light beams, unique formations, and Navajo culture. Some guests, like Mary_C, find the lower canyon beyond words, while others appreciate the more adventurous walk.

Stop 3: Picnic Break at Big Lake Trading Post

After exploring the lower section, you’ll have a short break at the picnic area, which provides a chance to rest, hydrate, and take in the scenery. Many reviews highlight the friendly guides and good organization during this part of the trip, making it a relaxed transition between canyon visits.

Stop 4: Upper Antelope Canyon

The second part of your adventure is at Upper Antelope Canyon, which is described as an easy hike, perfect for those who prefer a lighter walk. The roundtrip hike of about 1 mile, plus climbing 150 steps to exit, is manageable for most, though some reviews note that individual pacing can vary.

Here, the light beams and vibrant colors truly shine, and the narrower, more open structure of the upper canyon offers a different perspective from the lower. Guides like Eder and Sonny help visitors capture stunning photos and share stories about Navajo traditions.

Additional Highlights:

• Photography Tips: Guides like Thomas have been praised for helping guests optimize their phone cameras, enabling everyone to capture the vivid warm tones inside the canyons.
• Cultural Insights: Guides share stories about the Navajo Nation, enhancing the experience beyond just sightseeing.
• Transport & Convenience: The air-conditioned vehicle and pickup service make the whole day smooth and comfortable, especially in the desert heat.

Authentic Experience Backed by Reviews

Reviewers like Teresa_Q and Patty_B mention their guides were punctual, friendly, and informative, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Many also appreciated how guides shared native stories, photo tips, and recommendations for future hikes.

One guest, John_H, highlighted a guide’s assistance in configuring their phones for vibrant photos, while Heather_J appreciated the stories and personal touches that made the trip memorable.

However, some reviews note that group size can impact comfort — with one reviewer mentioning 14 people in small spaces at the lower canyon, which could feel crowded for some. The tour is limited to 14 travelers, balancing intimacy with the need to accommodate enough participants.

Practical Details

Duration & Timing

Total tour duration is approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, with about 4 hours of actual canyon exploring. The tour begins with pickup, then proceeds through the stops, with enough time allocated to each segment for photos, rest, and learning.

Price & Value

At $459.27 per person, the cost might seem high at first glance. But considering that admission tickets are included, along with expert guides, snacks, bottled water, and transportation, many find it good value, especially given the quality of the guides and small group size.

Physical Fitness & Restrictions

Travelers should be moderately fit, as the tour involves stairs, ladders, and walking over uneven surfaces. The tour excludes bags/backpacks at the lower canyon for safety reasons, and tripods or selfie sticks aren’t allowed inside for preservation.

Booking & Cancellations

The tour is booked on average 51 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, providing flexibility and peace of mind for planning.

The Sum Up

This Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon Tour from Page offers a comprehensive, well-organized way to experience one of the Southwest’s most stunning natural wonders. The inclusion of both sections in a single day, guided by experts who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, makes it a standout option for travelers wanting an educational, visually breathtaking, and hassle-free adventure.

While the price might seem steep, the value lies in the personalized experience, cultural insights, quality photos, and comfort of transportation. It’s especially suited for those who want a full, immersive day with expert guidance and a small-group setting.

If you’re eager to see the best of Antelope Canyon, appreciate good storytelling, and want a smooth, memorable trip, this tour could be your perfect fit. Just be prepared for some physical activity and limited space in certain parts of the canyons.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The tour requires moderate physical fitness due to walking, stairs, and ladders, especially in the lower canyon. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with some physical activity.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Page is included in the package, making logistics straightforward and saving you time and effort.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly stated, the physical activity involved suggests it’s best suited for travelers who can handle stairs and uneven terrain.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera (though tripods aren’t allowed inside), water, and comfortable clothes suitable for warm weather. Bags and backpacks are not permitted at the lower canyon.

Is there a restroom available during the tour?
Restroom facilities are available at the Big Lake Trading Post, where the tour makes a stop before entering the canyons.

How long is each part of the tour?
You’ll spend about 2 hours exploring the Lower Antelope Canyon and another 2 hours at the Upper Canyon, with time for breaks and photos in between.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility if your plans shift.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded, culturally enriching, and visually spectacular experience of Antelope Canyon, ideal for those looking for a guided, small-group adventure that captures the beauty and spirit of this iconic site.